Elizabeth Mowery: Discovering success in DNA

“Don’t let anyone tell you that you are worthless because you have a disability!”

These words of wisdom have become a motto for Elizabeth Mowery and others that are living with a disability. Diagnosed with Autism at a young age, Elizabeth and her parents sought support for several years from Capper Foundation specifically therapy sessions with Linda Burgen, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Together, they worked to ensure Elizabeth could complete daily living tasks including self-care, cooking, organization, and more independently as she grew older. In addition, a primary goal was for her to learn and utilize social skills when making friends and in other social situations. “During high school, I participated in the orchestra playing the cello and competed in the Scholars Bowl. I also did some volunteer work for Capper,” shared Elizabeth.

Today, Elizabeth is doing very well in college at Washburn University in Topeka. “I’m majoring in Forensic Biology and when I graduate, I’d like to be a DNA Analyst for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). Most of all, I just hope to get a good job and make enough money to live comfortably,” noted Elizabeth. After finishing her sophomore year this May, she accomplished a major milestone–getting hired for her first job at a local Dillons grocery store. As a Utility Clerk, Elizabeth will assist with helping the store maintain a clean and safe environment as well as provide customer service by sacking groceries and helping customers load bags into their vehicle.

In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys reading books (making her way through Agatha Christie’s collection of English crime novels), playing video games, and spending time with family and pets.

With your financial support, Capper Foundation can continue to provide individualized care to children, teens, and adults with disabilities so they can advance their hopes and dreams like Elizabeth.

To read the full newsletter in which this story was published, click here.